Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's Engineering Technologies program delivers above-average early earnings at $70,620—roughly $4,000 more than the national median for this degree. That 70th percentile national ranking translates to real money, and the debt load of $25,000 keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.35, meaning graduates owe just over four months of their first-year salary. For an accessible program at a school with a 91% acceptance rate, these outcomes punch above their weight class.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to nearly $76,000 by year four, though the 8% increase is modest compared to some engineering fields. What's notable here is consistency—graduates aren't experiencing the volatility or disappointing long-term returns that plague some technical programs. The 60th percentile ranking within Virginia might seem less impressive until you realize Old Dominion is the only school in the state reporting outcomes for this specific bachelor's program, making direct state comparisons impossible. You're essentially looking at how ODU grads stack up against the broader national field.

For families seeking a practical engineering degree without the pressure of highly selective admissions, this program offers solid footing. Graduates enter the workforce earning above the national norm for their field while carrying reasonable debt. It's not going to match the earnings of traditional engineering degrees, but that's not the comparison point—among engineering technology programs specifically, ODU is delivering returns that justify the investment.